Should Primates be Kept as Pets?

Many of the smaller species of primates are, what could be classed, as cute, but would it be fair to have them as pets?

There are many people out there that already do have them as pets. They say that they are treated well and are happy. No one can deny that it is rather unusual to have a pet primate rather than the more conventional pets such as dogs and cats.

However, they are not classed as pets and should only be kept with other primates in their natural habitat.

What do you think?

A Licence isn't Required in the UK

Apparently, now in the UK, it is not required to have a licence to keep some species of primates. These include Capuchins, Squirrel Monkeys and Tamarins. Granted these are some of the smallest of the primates and you would think would be relatively easy to care for. But, does that make it a good idea?

These species do have very sharp teeth and extremely dexterous hands which effectively adds to the danger level. They are also highly intelligent as you would expect. I would prefer that these primates would need a licence to keep but be not allowed to be kept as pets by individuals.

Some species do require a special permit if they are used for commercial purposes.

Films Depicting Primates Passing on Disease to Us

Why Primates Shouldn't be Pets

Primates require a lot of space in order to exercise, forage and to keep stimulated. They need a specialist diet according to their species and constant social interactions with members of their own kind.

It is all too easy to not provide the best care whatever the good intentions are and this can result in unhappy, unbalanced animals with sharp teeth and wit.

Small primates are not easy to care for despite what is reported. Our cultivated fruits often have a higher sugar content than what these small monkeys would eat in the wild. This can lead to health problems such as diabetes. If the monkey is kept indoors and has restricted time spent outside then deficiencies of vitamin D can occur.

Baby animals of any species are notoriously cute but this can all change as they grow up. The small monkeys often stay just as cute but their temperament and behaviour can change dramatically. Ignorance about these changes and how to deal with them can lead to isolation and neglect.

Signs of Stress, Trauma and Neglect in Monkeys

Primates are often kept in cupboards or cages which are not suitable for them. This leads to behaviours such as pacing up and down, over-grooming, plucking out of fur and biting off their tails.

Signs of neglect are obvious and include weight issues, dehydration, boredom, health conditions due to poor feeding and anti-social behaviour. Dental problems, broken digits and blood disorders are also common.

Neglect in seeking treatment for medical conditions or injuries.

So, the thing to do would be to think again if you ever thought that keeping a primate as a pet would be a good idea!

I don't think primates make good pets. I actually worked with squirrel monkeys doing research on them, and they were pretty smart! We kept them in big cages and they were taken to a different room for various learning tests - that kept them amused, especially when they escaped, otherwise they'd have been bored and probably developed unhealthy habits.